This classroom management activity helps students relax. The poem "Come Ride My Carousel" is used to teach stress management with the slow breathing technique. This can be particularly helpful at the beginning of school or for testing times.The introductory page gives instructions as well as lesson possibilities. After the first "Calming With a Carousel" lesson, the use of the exercise will take less than five minutes. This was written by Patricia Taylor Kienzle to teach self-control and managing feelings. In 1986 she wrote a program with the theme: "Life is like a pickle. Sometimes it's sweet. Sometimes it's sour." Since then she has written materials for students and adults on character education, parenting, conflict management, and study skills.